Simplebet and YES Network launch first-ever prediction game to be integrated in a live sports broadcast

Micro-betting technology company Simplebet and the YES Network announced Tuesday they are launching "Pick-N-Play Live", the first-ever, real-time, in-game, single-screen watch and play experience.

The free-to-play prediction game, the first to be integrated within a live sports broadcast, is becoming available Tuesday on the YES App to authenticated YES Network viewers in conjunction with YES' Brooklyn Nets telecasts during the Nets and the Detroit Pistons' game. It will also be available for the YES App's streamed New York Yankees games this coming season. 

Available via the YES App on iOS and Android, “Pick-N-Play Live” will allow users to make predictions around an assortment of in-game occurrences, such as possession result and player points.

Fans can compete for prizes such as a variety of gift cards, team merchandise and occasional unique in-person experiences, with a live leaderboard updating throughout each game.

Simplebet’s suite of products, fueled by its proprietary machine learning and automation capabilities, is designed to encourage longer watch times and deeper fan engagement.

“Pick-N-Play Live” offers dozens of prediction types, adding up to thousands of individual moments per game, putting fans in the coaches’ and managers’ shoes, with basketball predictions during Nets games such as how many points there a player will score during the quarter, or which team will score next, as wll as 2-pointer, 3-pointer, missed field goal and more. See a clip of Pick-N-Play Live here.

For baseball predictions during Yankees games, some include the specific result of the at-bat - single, double, triple, home run, strikeout, walk, reach on error or in-play out; whether the following pitch will or not be a ball, a strike, or in-play; and more. 

In an official press release, Chris Bevilacqua, Co-Founder and CEO of Simplebet, spoke and said: “This is the first inning of a convergence between media and gaming, and we’re thrilled to be at the bleeding-edge with a partner like the YES Network. Micro-market technology is reimagining the fan experience and drives longer watch times, which in turn is beneficial for operators and media partners alike.”

Jon Litner, CEO of the YES Network, added: “‘Pick-N-Play Live’ is just the latest YES App enhancement designed to fuel engagement as we continue to introduce immersive and innovative products and experiences to our audiences. Through our new partnership with Simplebet, our viewers will now have the opportunity to play along in real time with the exciting action on the screen through a free, state-of-the-art predictor game powered by industry leading technology.”

The YES App provides authenticated users with a live stream of the YES Network, including its Nets, Yankees, NYCFC and New York Liberty games. It also features app-exclusive original programming series, along with personalized notification components, alternate feeds, game highlights and an extensive VOD library.

The app also boasts first-of-its-kind Live Stats and YES Watch Party offerings in conjunction with its streamed Yankees and Nets telecasts. Simplebet has developed a suite of micro-betting products for real money and free-to-play experiences for the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football and most recently college basketball. The company enables sports betting operators, media companies, and technology companies to enhance live sports by offering engaging experiences in real-time with their proprietary automated operations platform.